Bird feeder hanger assembly

ABSTRACT

Implementations described and claimed herein provide apparatuses and methods for facilitating filling and cleaning of bird feeders that are aesthetically pleasing and adaptable for attracting different types of birds. In one implementation, a bird feeder includes a proximal edge extending around a central line and defining a plane. An outer surface and an inner surface each extends distally from the plane. The inner surface is connected to the outer surface by the proximal edge. An opening is formed by the proximal edge and positioned on the plane. A hanger is disposed distal to and not intersecting the plane, and the hanger assembly has a hanging portion positioned on the central line.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority under35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. Design patent application No. 29/480,509,entitled “Ant Moat for a Bird Feeder” and filed Jan. 27, 2014.

The present application claims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/899,044, entitled “Bottleand Hanger for a Wild Bird Feeder” and filed on Nov. 1, 2013. Both ofthese applications are specifically incorporated by reference in theirentirety herein.

BACKGROUND

Many bird feeders are notoriously difficult to clean and fill. Forexample, bird feeders configured to dispense nectar generally must beinverted to receive the nectar. Such bird feeders commonly include abottle with an opening at one end that is configured to engage a basethrough which the nectar is dispensed and a hanger positioned at theopposite end of the bottle to hang the bird feeder. To fill the birdfeeder, a user holds the bottle in the inverted position with one handwhile attempting to pour the nectar into the opening of the bottle withthe other hand. The user then endeavors to secure the base to the end ofthe bottle with the opening while holding the bottle in this invertedposition. Often, such bird feeders have tops and/or hangers that areshaped such that the user is unable to utilize a flat surface tostabilize the bird feeder during this process, thereby increasing theincidence of spillage and further exacerbating these challenges.Further, bird feeders attempting to address these challenges oftensacrifice appearance and quality of design, which is an importantfeature to users.

It is with these observations in mind, among others, that variousaspects of the present disclosure were conceived and developed.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Implementations described and claimed herein address the foregoingproblems by providing apparatuses and methods for facilitating fillingand cleaning of bird feeders that are aesthetically pleasing andadaptable for attracting different types of birds. In oneimplementation, a bird feeder includes a proximal edge extending arounda central line and defining a plane. An outer surface and an innersurface each extends distally from the plane. The inner surface isconnected to the outer surface by the proximal edge. An opening isformed by the proximal edge and positioned on the plane. A hanger isdisposed distal to and not intersecting the plane, and the hangerassembly has a hanging portion positioned on the central line.

In another implementation, a bird feeder includes a reservoir configuredto hold bird nectar. The reservoir has a mouth disposed opposite aplanar surface, and the mouth is configured to dispense the nectar fromthe reservoir into a basin assembly. A hanger assembly has a reservoirengaging portion configured to engage a connecting portion of thereservoir near the planar surface, such that a first connector engagedto a second connector are disposed distal to the planar surface. Thehanger is configured to pivot to a folded position with the hanger notprotruding past the planar surface.

Other implementations are also described and recited herein. Further,while multiple implementations are disclosed, still otherimplementations of the presently disclosed technology will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, which shows and describes illustrative implementations ofthe presently disclosed technology. As will be realized, the presentlydisclosed technology is capable of modifications in various aspects, allwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosedtechnology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to beregarded as illustrative in nature and not limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example nectar bird feederthat facilitates filling and reduces spillage.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a hanger assembly and bottle of thenectar bird feeder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the hanger assembly and the bottle ofthe nectar bird feeder of FIG. 2 assembled.

FIG. 4 displays the nectar bird feeder of FIG. 1 positioned to receivenectar.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another example nectar birdfeeder that facilitates filling and reduces spillage.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of a hanger assembly and bottle of thenectar bird feeder of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a detailed assembled view of the hanger assembly and thebottle of the nectar bird feeder of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 displays the nectar bird feeder of FIG. 5 positioned to receivenectar.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example basin assembly for a nectar bird feeder.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of another example nectar birdfeeder that facilitates filling and reduces spillage with the hangerassembly not shown.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 12 show top perspective, bottom perspective, andside views, respectively, of a hanger assembly having an ant moat andwith the hanger removed for clarity.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show side and isometric views of the nectar bird feederof FIG. 10 with the hanger assembly of FIGS. 11A-12 positioned toreceive nectar.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show isometric views of the hanger assembly of FIGS.11A to 12 with a hanger that hooks onto pegs in an upright and a foldedposition, respectively.

FIGS. 16A and 16B show isometric views of the hanger assembly of FIGS.11A to 12 with a hanger that hooks inwardly through holes in an uprightand a folded position, respectively.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show isometric views of the hanger assembly of FIGS.11A to 12 with a hanger that hooks outwardly through holes in an uprightand a folded position, respectively.

FIGS. 18A and 18B show isometric views of the hanger assembly of FIGS.11A to 12 with a hanger that hooks into slots in an upright and a foldedposition, respectively.

FIGS. 19A and 19B show isometric views of the hanger assembly of FIGS.11A to 12 with another hanger that hooks into slots in an upright and afolded position, respectively.

FIGS. 20A and 20B show isometric views of the hanger assembly of FIGS.11A to 12 with another hanger that hooks into slots in an upright and afolded position, respectively.

FIGS. 21A and 21B show isometric views of the hanger assembly of FIGS.11A to 12 with a hanger having chains that hook through holes in anupright and a folded position, respectively.

FIGS. 22A and 22B show isometric views of the hanger assembly of FIGS.11A to 12 with a hanger that hooks inwardly through holes in an uprightand a folded position, respectively.

FIGS. 23A and 23B show isometric views of the hanger assembly of FIGS.11A to 12 with a hanger that slides vertically through slots in anupright and a folded position, respectively.

FIGS. 24A and 24B show top perspective and bottom perspective views,respectively, of a hanger assembly having a cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure involve apparatuses and methods forfacilitating filling and cleaning of bird feeders that are aestheticallypleasing and adaptable for attracting different types of birds. In oneaspect, a bird feeder adapted to hold and dispense nectar is provided.The nectar bird feeder includes a bottle, a hanger assembly, and a basinassembly. To facilitate filling and cleaning, the bottle includes a widemouth opening at a first end of the bottle and a substantially planarsurface at an opposite end of the bottle. The hanger assembly isconfigured to engage the bottle at the end of the bottle having theplanar surface, such that the nectar bird feeder is invertable forfiling or cleaning by placing either the planar surface of the bottle ora portion of the hanger assembly on a surface, such as a table, tostabilize the bottle. The hanger of the hanger assembly is configured tomove such that it does not obstruct the placement of the inverted birdfeeder on the surface (e.g., a table). The nectar bird feeder mayinclude various features that may be adapted to attract various nectarfeeding birds, for example: hummingbirds, orioles, or the like.

In some aspects, the nectar bird feeder has a decorative, antiqueappearance with a glass bottle and metal accent finishing to provide anattractive, upscale appearance that is appealing to users. The bottlesmay be a variety of colors with different engravings or other decorativefeatures. For example, the bird feeders may have features similar tothose shown in U.S. Design patent application 29/438,289, entitled“Bottle for a Wild Bird Feeder” and filed on Nov. 28, 2012, which isincorporated herein in its entirety.

As can be understood from FIG. 1, which shows a perspective view of anexample nectar bird feeder 100, a reservoir 102 is configured to holdbird food, which may nectar or the like. The nectar bird feeder 100further includes a hanger assembly 104 and a basin assembly 106.

In one implementation, the reservoir 102 is a bottle that may be madefrom a variety of materials, including but not limited to glass, metal,ceramics, plastics, or the like, and include one or more decorativefeatures. To increase aesthetic appeal, the reservoir 102 may be madefrom glass that includes different decorative features, such as color,engraving, or other designs.

In one implementation, the reservoir 102 includes an elongated portion108, a connecting portion 110, a substantially planar surface 112, and amouth 114 that may be tapered to accept nectar with minimum spillage.The reservoir 102 may be a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, theelongated portion 108 may be longer along a longitudinal length of thereservoir 102 between the planar surface 112 and the mouth 114 relativea width and depth of the elongated portion 108. Further, the width ofthe elongated portion 108 may be longer relative to the depth of theelongated portion 108. These example features of the elongated portion108, together with features of the mouth 114 and the planar surface 112,may create an overall flask-shaped appearance of the reservoir 102.However, other shapes are contemplated, including, without limitation,generally cylindrical, conical, cubical, contoured, angular, or thelike. Further, the reservoir 102 may be adapted to hold variouscapacities of nectar. For example, the reservoir 102 may be adapted tohold approximately 10-25 oz. of nectar. However, other sizes arecontemplated that maximize the capacity of nectar without sacrificingthe ability to hang the nectar bird feeder 100 in various locations.

In one implementation, the hanger assembly 104 includes a reservoirengaging portion 116 and a hanger 122. The hanger assembly 104 may bemade from a variety of materials, including but not limited to metal,glass, ceramics, plastics, or the like, and include one or moredecorative features. To increase aesthetic appeal, the hanger assembly104 may be made from a metal having decorative features, such as color(e.g., pewter), engravings, designs, or the like.

The reservoir engaging portion 116 may be sized and shaped to mirror thesize and shape of the reservoir 102, and the hanger 122 may be sized andshaped to adequately hold the nectar bird feeder 100 when suspended. Inone implementation, the reservoir engaging portion 116 has a firstconnector 118 adapted to receive a second connector 120 of the hanger122. The connectors 118 and 120 may be any engaging feature (e.g, hooks,slots, pegs, ears, and/or the like) that permits the reservoir engagingportion 116 to attach to the hanger 122 in a manner that allows thehanger 122 to pivot, slide, or otherwise move relative to the reservoirengaging portion 116. In one implementation, the hanger 122 includes ahanging portion 124 that permits the hanger 122 to securely attach to anitem, such as a tree limb, hook, or the like.

The basin assembly 106 is adapted to permit one or more birds to accessthe nectar. The basin assembly 106 may be made from a variety ofmaterials, including but not limited to metal, glass, ceramics,plastics, or the like, and include one or more decorative features. Toincrease aesthetic appeal, the basin assembly 106 may be made from ametal having decorative features, such as color (e.g., pewter),engravings, designs, or the like. In one implementation, the basinassembly 106 includes one or more perches 126, made from a durableintegral metal or similar material, corresponding to one or more ports128 through which a bird may access the nectar. The ports 128 may beremovable or replaceable to attract different birds. For example, theports 128 may be shaped like a flower to attract birds, such ashummingbirds, orioles, or the like, and may include an opening sized toaccommodate the beak of the desired bird and prevent insects, such asbees, or animals from accessing the nectar. Orioles have bigger beaksthan hummingbirds, so the opening may be larger to accommodate theoriole beak when attracting orioles. Similarly, the number of perches126 and corresponding ports 128 included in the basin assembly 106 mayvary depending on the type of bird attracted. For example, becauseorioles are larger birds, there may be fewer perches 126 and ports 128included when attracting orioles than when attracting hummingbirds.

As can be understood from FIG. 2, the reservoir 102 may include variousfeatures near the mouth 114 to engage the basin assembly 106 and tofacilitate filling. In one implementation, the mouth 114 tapers from theelongated portion 108 to a lip, which protrudes from the mouth 114 tosecure components of the basin assembly 106 when engaged. The mouth 114further includes a surface 130 having engagers 132, such as helicalthreads, to engage the basin assembly 106 to close or occlude thereservoir 102. The mouth 114 includes a relatively wide opening 134 toaccept nectar during filling with minimum spillage and to dispense thenectar into the basin assembly 106 when engaged.

To engage the hanger assembly 104, the mouth 114 may be inserted orthreaded through an opening formed by the reservoir engaging portion 116and the hanger 122 when placed in a folded position. The hanger assembly104 is then slid longitudinally along the length of the elongatedportion 108 until the reservoir engaging portion 116 engages theconnecting portion 110 of the reservoir 102, as shown in FIG. 3. Theconnecting portion 110 may be, without limitation, a lip, a protrusion,a surface with engagers (e.g., helical threads), a surface configuredfor a snap fit, and/or other features configured to engage the hangerassembly.

In one implementation, the reservoir engaging portion 116 engages theconnecting portion 110 along the elongated portion 108 such that thereservoir engaging portion 116 does not protrude past the planar surface112 of the reservoir 102. The hanger 122 may then be pivoted orotherwise moved into an upright position (e.g., shown in FIG. 2) forhanging or into a folded position (e.g., shown in FIG. 4) for removal,filling, or cleaning.

Turning to FIG. 3, arrows show the directions that the hanger 122 maypivot relative to the reservoir engaging portion 116 and the planarsurface 112 of the reservoir 102, in one implementation. For example, ascan be understood from FIG. 4, the hanger 122 may be pivoted into afolded position to provide unobstructed placement of the planar surface112 of the reservoir 102 on a surface 136, such as a table. In thisexample, because the reservoir engaging portion 116 does not protrudepast the planar surface 112 and the hanger 122 may fold such that thehanger 122 does not protrude past the planar surface 112, the reservoir102 may be stably placed on the surface 136 during filling or cleaning.

As can be understood from FIG. 4, in one implementation, to fill thenectar bird feeder 102 to feed one or more birds, the nectar bird feeder100 is inverted and the basin assembly 106 is removed. Inverting thenectar bird feeder 100 before removing the basin assembly 106 reducesspillage of any nectar held in the reservoir 102 and/or the basinassembly 106. The hanger 122 is pivoted into the folded position, andthe planar surface 112 of the reservoir is placed on the surface 134.Nectar is then poured into the reservoir 102 through the opening 134,which is sized to accept the nectar with minimum spillage. Still in theinverted position, the basin assembly 106 is secured onto the mouth 114.The nectar bird feeder 100 may be flipped over and the hanger 122pivoted into the upright position for hanging. In this position, gravityforces the nectar to dispense from the reservoir 102 into the basinassembly 106 for access by one or more birds.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate another implementation of the nectar bird feeder100. As shown in FIGS. 5-8, the reservoir 102 may have a generallycylindrical shape with various decorative features, and the reservoirengaging portion 116 may be similarly shaped to engage the reservoir 102along the elongated portion 108 near the connecting portion 110. Theother features of the nectar bird feeder 100 shown in FIGS. 5-8 may besubstantially the same as those described with respect to FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of the basin assembly 106. In oneimplementation, the basin assembly 106 includes a top portion 137 and abottom portion 138. The top portion 136 includes a cover 140 forpresenting the one or more ports 128 and from which the one or moreperches 126 protrude. The top portion 137 covers the bottom portion 138to prevent insects, such as bees, and animals from accessing the nectarand reduces loss of the nectar to evaporation. In one implementation,the top portion 137 includes an opening 142 in the cover 140 throughwhich the mouth 114 of the reservoir 102 may be inserted to engage thebottom portion 138 to close or occult the reservoir 102 and dispense thenectar.

In one implementation, the bottom portion 138 includes an engagingmember 144 for engaging the mouth 114. Stated differently, the engagingmember 144 may include features to receive and engage the engagers 132,such as helical threads, of the surface 130 of the mouth 114 to close orocclude the reservoir 102. The engaging member 144 may include one ormore openings 146 to controllably dispense nectar from the reservoir 102into a basin 148. The nectar is dispensed using gravity to fill thebasin 148 such that one or more birds may access the nectar held in thebasin 148 through the one or more ports 126.

FIGS. 10-14 illustrate another implementation of the nectar bird feeder100 with the hanger assembly 104 not shown. As shown in FIGS. 10-14, thereservoir 102 may have an elongated, contoured shape, and the reservoirengaging portion 116 (not shown) may be sized and shaped to engage thereservoir 102 at the connecting portion 110, which includes engagers,such as helical threads. Some of the other features of the nectar birdfeeder 100 shown in FIGS. 10-14 may be substantially the same as thosedescribed with respect to FIGS. 1-9.

Turning to FIGS. 11A-12, in one implementation, the hanger assembly 104includes an ant moat having a body 202 forming a vessel extendingbetween a proximal edge 208 and a distal edge 210. The proximal edge 208extends around a central line 200 and defines a plane 222.

In one implementation, the body 202 includes an outer surface 204 and aninner surface 206 each extending distally from the proximal edge 208 andconnected to each other by the proximal edge 208. The outer surface 204and the inner surface 206 may be sized and shaped to match the size andshape of the reservoir 102. For example, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14,the surfaces 204 and 206 match the shape of the elongated portion 108 ofthe reservoir 102 to create the aesthetic impression of a continuousshape.

The reservoir engaging portion 116 of the hanger assembly 104, as shownin FIGS. 11A-12, includes one or more engagers 220 disposed on the innersurface 206 and configured to engage the connecting portion 110 of thereservoir 102. In one implementation, the engagers 220 are helicalthreads. However, other types of engagers are contemplated, includingwithout limitation, a lip, a protrusion, a surface configured for a snapfit, and/or the like.

In one implementation, the hanger assembly 104 includes a moat portion212 connected to the body 202 within the vessel, such that the moatportion 212 extends from the inner surface 206. The moat portion 212includes a proximal surface 214 and a distal surface 216. The proximalsurface 214 is configured to receive and hold a fluid, such as water,through an opening 218 formed by the proximal edge 208, to capture antsor other pests trying to obtain the nectar, and the distal surface 216is configured to receive the planar surface 112 of the reservoir 102.

As can be understood from FIGS. 13 and 14, in one implementation, tofill the nectar bird feeder 102 to feed one or more birds, the nectarbird feeder 100 is inverted and the basin assembly 106 is removed.Inverting the nectar bird feeder 100 before removing the basin assembly106 reduces spillage of any nectar held in the reservoir 102 and/or thebasin assembly 106. The hanger 122 (not shown) is pivoted, slid, orotherwise moved into the folded position, and the proximal edge 208 ofthe body 202 is placed on the surface 134. Stated differently, thehanger assembly 104 is configured to permit the plane 222 defined by theproximal edge 208 to substantially merge with a plane 224 positioned onthe surface 136 when the proximal edge 208 meets the surface 136. Nectaris then poured into the reservoir 102 through the opening 134, which issized to accept the nectar with minimum spillage. Still in the invertedposition, the basin assembly 106 is secured onto the mouth 114. Thenectar bird feeder 100 may be flipped over and the hanger 122 (notshown) pivoted into the upright position for hanging. In this position,gravity forces the nectar to dispense from the reservoir 102 into thebasin assembly 106 for access by one or more birds.

FIGS. 15A to 23B illustrate various examples of the hanger assembly 104having an ant moat as described with respect to FIGS. 10-12. Suchexamples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. In eachexample, when in the folded position, no portion of the hanger assembly104 intersects the plane 222 defined by the proximal edge 208 of thebody 202, and each of the hanging portions 124 are positioned on or nearthe central line 200, such that the hanging portions 124 are at anapproximate center of the vessel for stable hanging.

Turning first to FIGS. 15A and 15B, the second connector 120 of thehanger 122 is a hook adapted to engage the first connector 118, which isa peg protruding from the body 202 and disposed below the proximal edge208. The first and second connectors 118 and 120 permit the hanger 122to pivot to the folded position, such that the first and secondconnectors 118 and 120, the hanger 122 and the hanging portion 124 areall disposed distal to the proximal edge 208 and not intersecting theplane 222.

As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the second connector 120 of the hanger122 is a hook adapted to engage the first connector 118, which is a holedefined in and extending through the body 202 and disposed below theproximal edge 208. The hooks extend inwardly through the holes. Thefirst and second connectors 118 and 120 permit the hanger 122 to pivotto the folded position, such that the first and second connectors 118and 120, the hanger 122 and the hanging portion 124 are all disposeddistal to the proximal edge 208 and not intersecting the plane 222.

Referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the hanger 122 is disposed in the body202, and the second connector 120 of the hanger 122 is a hook adapted toengage the first connector 118, which is a hole defined in and extendingthrough the body 202 and disposed below the proximal edge 208. The hooksextend outwardly through the holes. The first and second connectors 118and 120 permit the hanger 122 to pivot to the folded position towardsthe moat portion 214, such that the first and second connectors 118 and120, the hanger 122 and the hanging portion 124 are all disposed distalto the proximal edge 208 and not intersecting the plane 222.

Now referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, the hanger 122 is disposed in thebody 202, and the second connector 120 of the hanger 122 is a hookadapted to engage the first connector 118, which is a slot positioned onthe moat portion 214 at the body 202 and disposed below the proximaledge 208. The hooks extend outwardly into the slots. The first andsecond connectors 118 and 120 permit the hanger 122 to pivot to thefolded position towards the moat portion 214, such that the first andsecond connectors 118 and 120, the hanger 122 and the hanging portion124 are all disposed distal to the proximal edge 208 and notintersecting the plane 222.

Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the hanger 122 is disposed inthe body 202, and the second connector 120 of the hanger 122 is a hookadapted to engage the first connector 118, which is a slot positioned onthe moat portion 214 and disposed below the proximal edge 208. The hooksextend outwardly into the slots. The first and second connectors 118 and120 permit the hanger 122 to pivot to the folded position towards themoat portion 214, such that the first and second connectors 118 and 120,the hanger 122 and the hanging portion 124 are all disposed distal tothe proximal edge 208 and not intersecting the plane 222.

Turning to FIGS. 20A and 20B, the hanger 122 is disposed in the body202, and the second connector 120 of the hanger 122 is a hook adapted toengage the first connector 118, which is a slot positioned on the moatportion 214 and disposed below the proximal edge 208. The hooks extendinwardly into the slots. The first and second connectors 118 and 120permit the hanger 122 to pivot to the folded position towards the moatportion 214, such that the first and second connectors 118 and 120, thehanger 122 and the hanging portion 124 are all disposed distal to theproximal edge 208 and not intersecting the plane 222.

Referring to FIGS. 21A and 21B, the hanger 122 includes one or morechains, and the second connector 120 of the hanger 122 is a hook adaptedto engage the first connector 118, which is a hole defined in andextending through the body 202 and disposed below the proximal edge 208.The hooks extend outwardly through the holes. The first and secondconnectors 118 and 120 permit the hanger 122 to collapse into the foldedposition with the chains resting within the body 202, such that thefirst and second connectors 118 and 120, the hanger 122 and the hangingportion 124 are all disposed distal to the proximal edge 208 and notprotruding through the plane 222.

As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the second connector 120 of the hanger122 is a protrusion adapted to engage the first connector 118, which isa hole defined in and extending through the body 202 and disposed belowthe proximal edge 208. The protrusions extend inwardly through theholes. The first and second connectors 118 and 120 permit the hanger 122to pivot to the folded position, such that the first and secondconnectors 118 and 120, the hanger 122 and the hanging portion 124 areall disposed distal to the proximal edge 208 and not intersecting theplane 222.

Turning to FIGS. 23A and 23B, the second connector 120 of the hanger 122is an elongated portion adapted to engage the first connector 118, whichis a slot positioned on the outer surface 206 of the body 202. Theelongated portions slide vertically through the slots. The first andsecond connectors 118 and 120 permit the hanger 122 to slide distally tothe folded position, such that the first and second connectors 118 and120, the hanger 122 and the hanging portion 124 are all disposedrelative to the proximal edge 208 to not protrude past the plane 222.

As can be understood from FIGS. 24A and 24B, in one implementation, thehanger assembly 104 may include a cap 300 having a planar surface 302for positioning on the surface 136 when the nectar bird feeder 100 isinverted. The reservoir engaging portion 116 may have engagers in theform of helical threads 304 or other engages as described herein. Thehanger assembly 104 may be made from a variety of materials, includingbut not limited to metal, glass, ceramics, plastics, or the like, andinclude one or more decorative features. To increase aesthetic appeal,the hanger assembly 104 may be made from a metal having decorativefeatures, such as color (e.g., pewter), engravings, designs, or thelike.

The cap 300 may be sized and shaped to minor the size and shape of theconnecting portion 110 of the reservoir 102, and the hanger 122 may besized and shaped to adequately hold the seed bird feeder 200 whensuspended. In one implementation, the cap 214 includes the firstconnector 118 adapted to the second connector 120 of the hanger 220. Thefirst and second connectors 118 and 120 may be any engaging feature thatpermits the cap 300 to attach to the hanger 122 in a manner that allowsthe hanger 220 to move between the upright and folded positions. Forexample, first and second connectors 118 and 120 may each be hookshaving openings to engage one another in a manner that permits movementof the hanger 122. In one implementation, the hanger 122 includes thehanging portion 124 that permits the hanger 122 to securely attach to anitem, such as a tree limb, hook, or the like.

Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific orderor hierarchy of steps in the method can be rearranged while remainingwithin the disclosed subject matter. The accompanying method claimspresent elements of the various steps in a sample order and are notnecessarily meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchypresented.

It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendantadvantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it willbe apparent that various changes may be made in the form, constructionand arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosedsubject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages.The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of thefollowing claims to encompass and include such changes.

The above specification, examples, and data provide a completedescription of the structure and use of example implementations of theinvention. Various modifications and additions can be made to theexemplary implementations discussed without departing from the spiritand scope of the presently disclosed technology. For example, while theimplementations described above refer to particular features, the scopeof this disclosure also includes implementations having differentcombinations of features and implementations that do not include all ofthe described features. Accordingly, the scope of the presentlydisclosed technology is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications, and variations together with all equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bird feeder comprising: a body forming a vesselextending from a distal edge to a proximal edge; a moat portionconnected to the body and positioned within the vessel; an openingformed by the proximal edge, the vessel configured to receive fluidthrough the opening; and a hanger having a hanging portion positioned atan approximate center of the vessel, the hanger configured to move to afolded position distal to the proximal edge such that no portion of thehanger assembly protrudes through the opening.
 2. The bird feeder ofclaim 1, wherein the hanger moves to the folded position by sliding. 3.The bird feeder of claim 1, wherein the hanger moves to the foldedposition by pivoting.
 4. The bird feeder of claim 1, wherein the bodyincludes a reservoir engaging portion configured to engage a connectingportion of a reservoir.
 5. The bird feeder of claim 4, wherein thereservoir engaging portion and the connecting portion each includehelical threads to engage the body and the reservoir.
 6. The bird feederof claim 1, wherein the body is generally cylindrical in shape.
 7. Thebird feeder of claim 1, wherein the moat portion is generally planar. 8.A bird feeder comprising: a proximal edge extending around a centralline and defining a plane; an outer surface extending distally from theplane; an inner surface connected to the outer surface by the proximaledge, the inner surface extending distally from the plane; an openingformed by the proximal edge and positioned on the plane; and a hangerdisposed distal to and not intersecting the plane, the hanger assemblyhaving a hanging portion positioned on the central line.
 9. The birdfeeder of claim 8, wherein the proximally edge extends generallycircular around the central line.
 10. The bird feeder of claim 8,wherein the outer surface is generally smooth.
 11. The bird feeder ofclaim 8, wherein the inner surface includes one or more engagingfeatures configured to engage a proximal end of a reservoir.
 12. Thebird feeder of claim 8, further comprising: a moat portion extendingcircumferentially from the central line to the inner surface.
 13. Thebird feeder of claim 8, wherein the inner surface extends distally fromthe plane to a moat portion.
 14. A bird feeder comprising: a bodyextending around a moat portion, the body configured to receive andcontain fluid on the moat portion; an opening formed by an edge of thebody and positioned on a first plane, the edge configured to meet a flatsurface positioned on a second plane; and a hanger having a hangingportion, the hanger configured to permit the first plane tosubstantially merge with the second plane when the proximal edge meetsthe flat surface.
 15. The bird feeder of claim 14, wherein the hangingportion is positioned relative to an approximate center of the firstplane.
 16. The bird feeder of claim 14, wherein the hanger extendsproximally from the moat portion.
 17. The bird feeder of claim 14,wherein the hanger is disposed distal to and not intersecting the firstplane.
 18. A bird feeder comprising: a reservoir configured to hold birdnectar, the reservoir having a mouth disposed opposite a planar surface,the mouth configured to dispense the nectar from the reservoir into abasin assembly; and a hanger assembly having a reservoir engagingportion configured to engage a connecting portion of the reservoir nearthe planar surface, such that a first connector engaged to a secondconnector are disposed distal to the planar surface, the hangerconfigured to pivot to a folded position with the hanger not protrudingpast the planar surface.
 19. The bird feeder of claim 18, wherein thefirst connector and the second connector are each hooks.
 20. The birdfeeder of claim 18, wherein connecting portion of the reservoir is alip.